Expert Shares 5 Important January Gardening Jobs You Shouldn’t Skip
While the garden may be looking bare over the winter, there are plenty of jobs to be done to protect, prune, and prep plants for the upcoming months. So, gardening expert Paul Parker from plants and bulbs specialists J. Parker’s shares five important tasks to be completed in January.
Plant bare-root plants
“January is the golden window for planting bare-root plants while they are still dormant. Bare-root plants are sold without a pot or soil, so they come as described with their roots exposed. This makes them easier to handle and usually more affordable.
The key to getting your bare-root plants to thrive is timing. Plant them while the plant itself is dormant. This means the roots will be ready to establish quickly once the temperatures begin to creep up again.
Once you receive your bare root plant, give the roots a good soak. And when planting, don’t put them in the ground if the soil is frozen, wait until the frost has thawed.”
Plant last-minute spring bulbs
“Spring bulbs are usually planted in autumn, but if you haven’t got yours in the ground before now, there’s still time. Bulbs like tulips and daffodils can still be planted in January, although they might not bloom until a little later in the season.
If you have spring bulbs left over in January, then you can still plant them and take your chances. However, if the soil is frozen, scatter fertiliser sparingly over the frozen ground. Place your bulbs on top of the soil, without pressing them in so as not to damage the base of the bulb, then cover with 2-4 inches of finished compost or aged mulch, topping up the mulch with a fresh layer to keep them protected from the elements.”
Prune climbing roses
“If you have a climbing rose in your garden, now is the perfect time to give it a hard prune. Pruning your climbing roses in January, while the plant is dormant, will help its shape and prepare them for a bountiful bloom come summer.
It is important not to prune climbing roses for two years after planting, to give them the best chance of establishing.
Begin by shortening side shoots, cutting them back to 2-3 inches from the main stem. Then remove any dead or diseased wood stems. Finally, support your climbing rose by tying the main stems to a trellis or structure.”
Prune winter-pruning fruit trees
“If you haven’t already, prune your apple and pear trees while the plants are dormant. Also, without the leaves, it becomes much easier to prune with confidence. Cut any dead or diseased stems and any that may be crossed or inwards facing. The aim is to create a goblet-shaped frame, ready for new growth. A good winter prune will encourage new buds and ultimately more fruit later down the line.
A word of warning, do not prune any stone fruit trees, such as plums and damsons, because at this time of year they are susceptible to silver leaf fungus.”
Check for hellebore leaf spot disease
“Winter months can be harsh not only on us but also on our plants. If you have hellebores in your garden, now is a good time to get ahead and check for signs of leaf spot disease. Leaf spot is a fungal disease that appears as dark blotches and marks on your hellebore foliage.
If you spot any affected leaves, remove and bin them carefully to limit their spread, making sure not to chuck these in the compost.”
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